The Indian Army has achieved a significant milestone by successfully conducting a patrol in the Depsang area of eastern Ladakh, marking its first such exercise since the aggressive clashes in 2020 that resulted in a prolonged standoff. This development comes in the wake of an agreement reached between India and China aimed at disengagement and the resumption of patrolling efforts around the region.

In a statement via Twitter, the Leh-based Fire and Fury Corps announced, “Following the consensus reached between the Indian and Chinese sides for disengagement and resumption of patrolling in Depsang and Demchok, the Indian Army patrol to one of the patrolling points in Depsang was successfully conducted today. This is yet another positive step towards maintaining peace and tranquility on the LAC.”

Reports indicate that a contingent of approximately 10 to 12 Indian soldiers, accompanied by ponies, made their way to the bottleneck area that provides access to the vast Depsang Plains, patrolling up to Patrolling Point 10. This patrol covered a distance of around five kilometers, emphasizing the measured approach being adopted.

India’s patrolling capability in this sensitive region permits access to points 10, 11, 11A, 12, and 13. Nevertheless, the decision has been taken to limit the Indian Army’s patrols to only one or two points initially. This strategy aims to foster trust and gradually restore the patrolling status to pre-April 2020 levels.

Moreover, the spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, previously noted that in accordance with the disengagement agreement with China, verification patrols were initiated based on mutually agreed terms in both the Demchok and Depsang areas.

This latest development signals a cautious yet optimistic step toward de-escalation in a region that has seen rising tensions in recent years, reflecting both nations’ commitment to maintaining peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

In a significant event for the Indian Navy, President Droupadi Murmu is set to embark on the indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, to observe naval operations at sea on Thursday. This momentous occasion marks the first time that the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces will be onboard the newly commissioned aircraft carrier, where she will witness a comprehensive demonstration of various naval capabilities.

The Indian Navy has organized a series of operations that will showcase the full spectrum of multi-domain naval activities. These operations will include maneuvering of surface ships, tactical battle actions, submarine exercises, and a demonstration of air power. A highlight of the event will be the take-offs and landings conducted by deck-based fighter aircraft and helicopters, alongside a flypast by naval aircraft, all designed to illustrate the advanced operational capabilities of INS Vikrant.

Upon her arrival in Goa, Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, the Chief of the Naval Staff, will personally welcome President Murmu at INS Hansa, the Naval Air Station. The President will be honored with a Ceremonial Guard of Honour comprising 150 personnel before she boards the INS Vikrant for her maritime excursion.

INS Vikrant, representing a landmark achievement in India’s shipbuilding capabilities, stands as the largest vessel ever constructed in the country’s maritime history. With an impressive 76 percent indigenous content, the carrier features machinery and equipment developed by prominent Indian industrial houses as well as contributions from over 100 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The keel for this vessel was laid in February 2009, and it was officially commissioned into service in September 2022. The name “Vikrant” pays tribute to its historic predecessor, India’s first aircraft carrier, which was instrumental during the 1971 war.

Designed by the Indian Navy’s in-house Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited, a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, INS Vikrant integrates state-of-the-art automation features into its design. The carrier measures 262.5 meters in length and 61.6 meters in width, with a displacement of approximately 43,000 tonnes, enhancing its operational effectiveness in modern naval warfare. This event not only highlights the capabilities of the Indian Navy but also symbolizes India’s growing self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

The Indian Navy is setting ambitious goals for the future, with plans to expand its fleet to over 200 ships by 2035 and achieve approximately 90 percent indigenisation. This vision was articulated by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, AVSM, VSM, who currently serves as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command. During his keynote address at THE WEEK Maritime Conclave 2024 held in Chennai, Pendharkar emphasized the Navy’s aspiration to be completely self-reliant—termed “Aatma Nirbhar”—by the year 2047.

Reflecting on the Navy’s growth since India’s independence, Pendharkar highlighted a significant increase from a modest fleet of just 35 ships to approximately 130 operational vessels today, supported by two capable fleets. He observed how the post-9/11 era has transformed maritime security priorities, focusing on anti-piracy efforts and collaborative missions with regional navies. The Vice Admiral noted that since 2015, enhancements in the Navy’s capabilities have increased by around 20 percent, reinforcing its strategic role in securing India’s maritime interests.

He pointed to a paradigm shift in India’s maritime policy from “look east” to “act east,” indicating an expansion of operational areas reaching as far as the Gulf of Guinea on the western coast and the Pacific Ocean to the east. This broadening of interests includes the Southern Ocean for surveillance, joint exercises, and combating piracy.

Pendharkar underscored the Navy’s crucial function amidst the growing significance of maritime trade and transportation, emphasizing that 95 percent of India’s trade by volume and 70 percent of its energy needs transit through the Indian Ocean. This places the Navy at the forefront of national security efforts concerning the nation’s strategic well-being.

Looking ahead, he predicted that India’s ocean economy could surpass one trillion dollars by 2025. This growth, he argued, would significantly impact job creation, boost exports, enhance food security, and uplift coastal communities. To harness this potential, he called for the modernization and development of the shipbuilding industry and trans-shipment hubs, leveraging India’s lengthy 7,500-kilometer coastline to elevate the country’s status as a maritime power.

During the conclave, Pendharkar also reflected on India’s rich maritime heritage, tracing it back to ancient texts that reference naval trade and exploration. He cited the Rig Veda, which dates back to approximately 1500 BC, as a foundational document that establishes the significance of maritime activities in Indian culture, from which the Indian Navy’s motto ‘Sham no Varunah’ is derived.

The Vice Admiral also acknowledged the historic contributions of various Indian kingdoms and dynasties to the maritime industry, which once played a pivotal role in India’s GDP during the 16th century. However, he noted that the decline began with colonial rule. By taking lessons from its past, Pendharkar is optimistic about India’s potential to reclaim its maritime supremacy.

On November 5, 2024, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd. (GRSE), a Kolkata-based Defence Public Sector Undertaking, marked a significant milestone in naval engineering with the keel laying ceremony of the first two of four Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs) being constructed for the Indian Navy. This ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose, alongside senior officials from the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, Indian Air Force, Indian Army, and GRSE.

The NGOPVs, which represent a new class of larger and more advanced ocean-going patrol vessels, promise to enhance India’s naval capabilities significantly. GRSE officials detailed that these ships will vastly outperform previous models supplied to the Indian Navy and Coast Guard, positioned as the most sophisticated vessels of their kind currently developed for the nation’s maritime security forces.

As Mr. Hari, an official from GRSE, highlighted during the ceremony, the contract for the construction of these ships was signed on March 30, 2023. With production already underway, the vessels whose keels were laid have reportedly reached an advanced stage of development. Each NGOPV will measure approximately 113 meters in length and 14.6 meters in width, with a displacement capacity of 3,000 tons. The ships are expected to achieve speeds of up to 23 knots and possess an impressive operational range of 8,500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 14 knots. The crew complement is designed to include 24 officers and over 100 sailors, ensuring a robust operational capability.

These next-generation warships are designed to undertake a variety of missions, enhancing India’s maritime security framework. Their intended roles will include executing Out of Area Contingency Operations, conducting non-combatant evacuations, convoy operations, anti-piracy initiatives, and counter-infiltration tactics. Additionally, the NGOPVs will also be equipped for anti-poaching efforts, support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, and conduct search and rescue missions. They are further poised to function as hospital ships and for communications intelligence (COMINT) operations, alongside providing essential fleet maintenance support.

During the keel laying ceremony, Governor C.V. Ananda Bose expressed national pride in the progress of the Indian navy, remarking, “This is a proud moment for the entire nation… We are the third largest military power in the world,” as he emphasized India’s growing capabilities in the competitive arena of shipbuilding.

In addition to the NGOPV project, GRSE is involved in a diverse array of projects. Currently, the company is working on twelve additional initiatives, which include constructing 17 more warships for the Indian Navy, one warship for the Government of Bangladesh, and a combination of 13 hybrid and one fully electric ferry for West Bengal. Furthermore, an oceanographic research vessel is being developed for the Ministry of Earth Sciences. Among these twelve projects are also an acoustic research vessel, autonomous platforms for DRDO, two export orders directed at Bangladesh, and five multipurpose vessels commissioned by a German client.

The developments at GRSE underscore India’s commitment to enhancing its maritime capabilities through advanced shipbuilding technology, setting a clear path towards greater self-reliance in the defence sector.

The Indian Navy held the third edition of its high-level virtual interaction series, known as ‘MAHASAGAR,’ which took place on November 5. This significant forum featured Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, the Chief of the Naval Staff, who engaged with prominent leaders from various maritime agencies and naval forces across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Participants included senior representatives from countries such as Bangladesh, Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania.

The focal theme of this edition was ‘Training Cooperation to Mitigate Common Maritime Security Challenges in the IOR.’ This theme underscores the pressing need for enhanced training collaboration among IOR nations to effectively address shared maritime security concerns. The discussions emphasized the importance of quality training and developing skilled manpower as critical factors in building the capacity to combat common threats in these waters.

MAHASAGAR, which translates to “vast ocean” in Hindi, serves as a key initiative by the Indian Navy to foster high-level dialogue and cooperation among maritime leaders. Launched in early 2023, this program has been conducted bi-annually and has received positive responses and acceptance from participating nations. The interactions aim to bolster security and promote regional growth while laying a foundation for collaborative training mechanisms to address maritime challenges.

During this virtual meeting, the participants openly discussed various strategies for capacity building through training partnerships, acknowledging that a concerted approach is essential to navigate the complexities of maritime security in the IOR effectively. The second edition of this interaction series has set a precedent for ongoing dialogue and cooperation among nations that share maritime interests in the region.

In a significant development for air combat technology, China has unveiled its latest stealth fighter jet, the J-35A, at the Zhuhai Airshow amidst rising geopolitical tensions with the United States and India. The J-35A is characterized as a fifth-generation fighter, presenting itself as a direct competitor to the American F-35, and it is touted to feature advanced stealth technology that renders it nearly invisible to radar systems. This capability is expected to enhance its operational effectiveness in enemy territories.

The introduction of the J-35A by the People’s Liberation Army Air Force underscores China’s ambition to strengthen its military aviation capabilities. According to Colonel Niu Wenbo of the Chinese Air Force, the J-35A is a versatile medium-sized fighter equipped to perform multiple roles, suggesting it can handle a variety of combat missions.

Notably, the fighter jet has attracted interest from Pakistan, which has confirmed its purchase of the J-35A. Reports indicate that supply is set to begin soon, and Pakistani pilots are already undergoing training for operation of the new aircraft. This partnership between China and Pakistan in developing their air force capabilities poses a strategic concern for India, especially given the ongoing hostilities in the region.

In contrast, India’s efforts to bolster its own air force face significant obstacles. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is currently awaiting the new version of its indigenous Tejas fighter jet, a fourth-generation aircraft that lacks the stealth technology found in its Chinese counterpart. Compounding these delays, US company GE has indicated that it will not be able to provide engines for the upgraded Tejas until 2025, leaving India’s aerial defense capabilities in a vulnerable position while China continues to enhance its military assets.

While India grapples with the stagnation of its Tejas program, China is rapidly advancing its aerospace technology. The upcoming Zhuhai Airshow, set to run from November 12 to 17, will further showcase military aviation developments, including the participation of Russia’s Sukhoi-57 fighter jet. Despite the lack of comprehensive details about the J-35A’s induction status into the Chinese Air Force, its unveiling has sparked discussions among defense analysts and on social media platforms in China.

Experts assert that the J-35A represents China’s strategic response to the ongoing American influence in global air combat technology. Unlike the F-35, which boasts vertical take-off and landing capabilities, the J-35A does not possess such features, highlighting different operational philosophies between the two nations’ fighter designs.

As the military landscapes of China and Pakistan evolve with the integration of advanced stealth fighter jets, the implications for regional security and air dominance become increasingly complex, underscoring an urgent need for India to accelerate its modernization efforts in the face of looming threats.

In a tragic incident in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday evening, an Army personnel lost his life, while another sustained injuries after their vehicle skidded off the road and fell into a gorge near Badog village in Kalakote. Officials reported that the accident involved Naik Badri Lal and Sepoy Jai Prakash, who were critically injured and subsequently rescued by emergency responders. Despite the efforts to save him, Naik Badri Lal succumbed to his injuries, while Sepoy Jai Prakash was rushed to a local hospital for medical treatment.

This accident comes on the heels of another devastating mishap that occurred earlier on November 2 in the Reasi district, resulting in the deaths of three individuals, including a mother and her 10-month-old son. The family was traveling in a private car from their Malikote village to Chassana when the driver lost control on a hilly road, leading to the vehicle plunging into a deep gorge at Chamalu Morh. The victims included Kulcha Devi, aged 27, her infant son Neeraj Singh, and her 23-year-old nephew Sandhoor Singh, all of whom died at the scene.

The family members who survived the crash—Devi’s husband Chankaar Singh, aged 32, her brother-in-law Dhunkar, aged 19, and 18-year-old nephew Ajay Singh—were rescued by local volunteers and transported to a nearby hospital, where they were reported to be in critical condition. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding both accidents, which have once again highlighted the dangers associated with travel in the region’s challenging terrain.

These incidents come amidst ongoing discussions in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, where heated debates have arisen regarding local governance and recent political changes, further highlighting the complex and often perilous context within which these tragic events unfold.

In a significant move towards enhancing data security within its ranks, the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and Indian Air Force are reportedly preparing to terminate their contracts with ride-hailing service Uber. Sources indicate that the primary driver behind this decision revolves around concerns regarding “data access,” particularly related to sensitive information regarding the family members of military personnel.

The agreement originally formed with Uber aimed to provide affordable transportation options for families of service members. However, rising apprehensions about data privacy have cast doubt on the suitability of such arrangements. The potential risk lies in the fact that personal information linked to military families could be exposed to unauthorized access, leading to fears of hacks that might compromise secure data.

Officials within the defence establishment have acknowledged the need for scrutiny concerning these security issues, fostering discussions about the balance between constructive criticism and maintaining a respectful dialogue on sensitive matters. This comes in light of various social media posts questioning the partnership with Uber and its implications on data privacy.

With India currently ramping up its efforts around data privacy legislation, concerns about data theft and its subsequent security implications remain a top priority. The potential risks associated with third-party data access highlight a pressing need for defense organizations to reassess their partnerships and prioritize the safeguarding of personal information related to their personnel.

As discussions evolve, the focus remains on ensuring that the safety and privacy of military families are uncompromised while balancing the logistics of transportation services that can provide them with cost-effective options.

An Indian Air Force helicopter encountered a technical glitch on Wednesday, leading to an emergency landing in the Merta area of Nagaur, Rajasthan. The incident took place in farm fields in Jasnagar, where the helicopter landed safely without any reported injuries or fatalities.

According to local police, the helicopter was part of a duo flying from Jodhpur to Jaipur when one of the pilots noticed issues that necessitated an immediate landing. Following the emergency landing, an expert team from the Indian Air Force arrived at the scene to address the technical fault. After a thorough inspection and subsequent rectification of the issue, the helicopter was able to take off again.

Defence officials confirmed that the airborne malfunction occurred during a routine training exercise and was categorized as a minor glitch. The occupants of the helicopter, including Wing Commander Pal Singh, were reported to be unharmed, and the aircraft was secured upon its landing. The local administration extended its full support throughout the incident.

Witnesses in the vicinity noted that two IAF helicopters were in the area, with one successfully continuing its journey while the other had to land due to the reported technical complications. Following the emergency landing, a substantial crowd of locals gathered around the aircraft, drawn by curiosity over the unusual occurrence.